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Reds won't tinker with team for Jets clash

Guy Hand

Adelaide United coach Mike Valkanis has vowed no let-up as the Reds chase consistency before the A-League home final they have almost certainly booked.

The Reds responded to Valkanis's demands for them to "flick the switch, and keep it on" in a professional 2-0 away victory over Melbourne Heart on Monday night.

With three matches left, they are nine points clear of fifth place and a home final will be assured with just a draw in any of their remaining regular season matches.

But with his side having perhaps turned a corner, Valkanis won't tinker with personnel despite a short turnaround before Friday night's home clash with Newcastle.

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"No more thinking about 'we've got the home final in the bag'. No," Valkanis said bluntly when asked if he would consider resting players amid a demanding schedule.

"We need to find the form we found (against the Heart), build on it, and keep working on what we've been working on so we're match-hardened and match-ready for the finals."

Valkanis, who assumed the reins after John Kosmina's mid-season resignation, has had an up-and-down introduction to senior coaching with the side he inherited impressive at times but poor at others.

Not for the first time, the Reds had goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic to thank for keeping them in the game against the Heart at AAMI Park early on.

The Socceroos keeper made two magnificent saves inside the first 12 minutes, before the Reds took the lead through a 40th minute Dario Vidosic penalty.

The Reds looked menacing as Argentine Marcelo Carrusca and Vidosic found their attacking groove - the duo looming as key if Adelaide are to advance to the championship decider from outside the top two.